Shiso Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide To Growing A Healthy And Productive Garden

Title: Shiso Companion Planting: The Ultimate Guide to Growing a Healthy and Productive Garden

Introduction:

Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sushi to stir-fries. It is also a beautiful plant, with its deep green leaves and purple flowers.

In addition to its culinary and aesthetic qualities, shiso is also a beneficial companion plant. It can help to repel pests, attract pollinators, and improve the overall health of your garden.

This blog post will discuss the benefits of shiso companion planting and provide a list of compatible plants. We will also cover some tips for planting and caring for shiso in your garden.

Main Content:

Benefits of Shiso Companion Planting

There are many benefits to companion planting shiso with other plants in your garden. Some of these benefits include:

• Repels pests. Shiso has a strong scent that can repel pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. This can help to keep your garden free of pests and diseases.
• Attracts pollinators. The purple flowers of shiso are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators help to pollinate your other plants, which can lead to a better harvest.
• Improves soil health. Shiso helps to improve the overall health of your soil by adding nitrogen and other nutrients. This can help to promote the growth of healthy plants.

Compatible Plants

Some of the most compatible plants to grow with shiso include:

• Tomatoes: Shiso and tomatoes are a classic companion plant combination. Shiso helps to repel pests that can damage tomatoes, and tomatoes provide shade for shiso during hot weather.
• Carrots: Shiso helps to improve the flavor of carrots, and carrots help to deter pests from shiso.
• Cucumbers: Shiso helps to repel cucumber beetles, and cucumbers help to provide shade for shiso during hot weather.
• Eggplant: Shiso helps to repel pests that can damage eggplant, and eggplant provides shade for shiso during hot weather.
• Marigolds: Marigolds help to repel pests that can damage shiso, and shiso helps to improve the flavor of marigolds.
• Onions: Shiso helps to repel onion maggots, and onions help to deter pests from shiso.
• Peas: Shiso helps to improve the flavor of peas, and peas help to provide shade for shiso during hot weather.
• Potatoes: Shiso helps to repel potato beetles, and potatoes help to provide shade for shiso during hot weather.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Shiso

Shiso is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It also prefers well-drained soil.

To plant shiso, sow the seeds directly in the garden about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds 10-12 inches apart. Shiso will germinate in about 7-10 days.

Once the plants have germinated, water them regularly. Shiso does not like to dry out. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Shiso is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 4 inches long. You can harvest the leaves individually or cut the entire plant at the base.

Conclusion

Shiso is a versatile and beneficial herb that can be grown in a variety of gardens. It is a good companion plant for many other vegetables, and it can help to improve the overall health of your soil. If you are looking for a new herb to add to your garden, shiso is a great choice.

Shiso is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a good companion plant for other vegetables and herbs. Some good companion plants for shiso include tomatoes, basil, parsley, and cucumbers. Shiso can help to repel pests and attract pollinators.

For more information about shiso companion planting, please visit Garden Wiki. This website provides a comprehensive guide to companion planting, including information on which plants are good companions for shiso.

FAQ of shiso companion planting

What are some good companion plants for shiso?

Shiso is a versatile herb that can be companion planted with a variety of other plants. Some good companions include:

• Basil: Basil and shiso are both members of the mint family, and they can help to repel pests from each other.
• Carrots: The strong scent of carrots can help to deter pests from shiso plants.
• Eggplant: Eggplant and shiso both prefer full sun, and they can help to improve each other's growth.
• Lettuce: Lettuce and shiso can be planted together in a salad garden.
• Onions: Onions and shiso can help to repel pests from each other.

What are some bad companion plants for shiso?

There are a few plants that should not be planted near shiso, as they can compete for resources or attract pests. These include:

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and shiso can compete for water and nutrients.
• Peas: Peas can attract pests that also enjoy eating shiso.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes and shiso can both attract aphids, which can be a problem for both plants.

How far apart should shiso plants be planted?

Shiso plants should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and spread.

When is the best time to plant shiso?

Shiso can be planted in the spring or fall. In warm climates, it can also be planted in the summer.

How do I care for shiso plants?

Shiso plants are relatively easy to care for. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during hot weather.

How do I harvest shiso leaves?

Shiso leaves can be harvested as needed. To harvest, simply snip the leaves off the stem.

How do I store shiso leaves?

Shiso leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Image of shiso companion planting

10 different images of shiso companion planting that are free to use:

1. Shiso and tomatoes: Shiso is a good companion plant for tomatoes because it helps to repel pests.
2. Shiso and eggplants: Shiso also helps to repel pests from eggplants.
3. Shiso and cucumbers: Shiso can help to deter cucumber beetles from cucumbers.
4. Shiso and beans: Shiso can help to attract pollinators to beans.
5. Shiso and lettuce: Shiso can help to repel aphids from lettuce.
6. Shiso and carrots: Shiso can help to improve the flavor of carrots.
7. Shiso and basil: Shiso and basil are both herbs that can be used in cooking, so they make good companion plants.
8. Shiso and mint: Shiso and mint are both herbs that can repel mosquitoes, so they make good companion plants.
9. Shiso and flowers: Shiso can also be planted with flowers to attract pollinators.
10. Shiso and vegetables: Shiso can be planted with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, beans, lettuce, carrots, basil, mint, and flowers.